Collapsible and portable chair

ABSTRACT

A portable two-frame collapsible chair comprised of an inner and outer frame with the frames hingably joined for rotating between a first position for carrying and a second position for sitting. The chair includes a flexible seat member connected to both frames. The chair further includes a flexible backrest hingably connected to the outer frame with optional armrests hingably attached. The frames can be folded into substantially the same plane when in the first position for carrying. The position for carrying includes a variety of configurations including a backpack configuration, wherein the user uses shoulder straps to carry the chair, and a roller bag configuration wherein the chair has wheels and a pull handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to a two frame collapsible chair which can befolded into a transport configuration.

2. Description of Related Art

When participating in activities such as fishing, hunting, and attendingsporting events such as youth soccer or baseball, it is desirable tohave a portable folding chair that is easy to carry. In addition, it isdesirable or necessary to carry other items such as drinks, food,sunscreen and other various sundries.

Folding chairs currently on the market and commonly used tend to beheavy and cumbersome to carry and many fold up and must be placed into abag for carrying. Others that fold the seat to the back tend to unfoldwhile in transport and their size and weight make them difficult foradults short in stature or children to carry. Further, carrying otheritems or tending to small children or pets is difficult with only oneavailable arm.

Many people choose to wear a backpack to carry the various items neededfor the activity and then carry their chair in one hand. Again, thedifficulties mentioned previously still exist and when arriving at theirdestination, the user now has two separate items to care for.

Several examples of prior art exist to address the idea of carrying afold up chair on one's back in combination with a backpack. However,such prior art tends to be heavy, cumbersome and unstable when unfolded.In addition, the prior art is large when folded which increases shippingcosts to retailers and takes up valuable retail shelf space as well asstorage space for the end user. An example of such a product isdisclosed in Amman U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,324B1, hereinafter “Amman”, whichdiscloses a three frame chair having the backpack portion mounted on thebackrest. The Amman chair suffers from several disadvantages. First, noprovision exists for holding the backrest in the upright position whenno one is sitting in the chair. If the chair is sitting on an un-levelsurface, which will be common in its intended use, the backrest willfall over onto the seat when the user stands up. Second, the lower framedoes not extend below the center of gravity of the backpack itself. Ifthe backpack has much weight in it, the chair will tip over backwardswhen first opened or when the user stands up. Third, no provision existsto adjust the angle of the backrest without also affecting the seatheight. The backrest can be adjusted but the action requires that theseat height be lowered disproportionately. Further, the structurerequires the use of three frames that do not fold into the same plane,which takes up more space and presents storage and shipping problems asnoted above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an additionalframe adds to the cost of manufacturing both in labor and raw materialsrequired. Consequently, it is desirable to have a chair which can bemanufactured with decreased raw material and labor costs.

Additionally with the chair in Amman, when in the folded position andcarried on one's back, the frames are in direct contact with the user'sback and the weight of the chair and backpack load are concentrated insmall areas of the user's back. While foam padding can be employed onthe frame, such padding does not distribute the load satisfactorily,especially when the backpack is heavy and/or when traveling significantdistances. Another disadvantage is that the armrests require verticalstructural members attached to both of the chair frames. As discussedabove, this adds to the overall weight and manufacturing costs and alsoreduces long term reliability. Finally, a strap and buckle arrangementis employed to hold the chair in the folded position for wearing onone's back. Because the shoulder straps are attached to the bottom ofthe seat frame, the chair would unfold while in use if the strap andbuckle arrangement were to fail. These are just a few of the problemswith the chair disclosed by Amman. These illustrate many of the inherentdesign problems which are common with other known prior art chairs.These problems limit the use and comfort of the chair, add to the weightand bulk of the chair, increase the raw material and manufacturing costsof the chair, and lead to an overall dissatisfactory solution to acommon problem. Consequently, it is desirable to have a chair which isless expensive to manufacture, which is easier to carry, which has the“extras” such as a backrest and armrests, and which is more enjoyable touse.

SUMMARY

The invention comprises a two-frame collapsible chair. The chaircomprises two frames hingably joined for rotating between a first closedposition for transporting and a second position for sitting. The chairhas a seat member and a backrest. Some embodiments also comprise armrests attached to the backrest.

The chair has at least one storage panel which is attached to at leastone set of frames. The storage panel can comprise a variety of storagemeans including a backpack, a briefcase, a laptop carrier, and a panelwith a plurality of storage pockets.

The chair also has a variety of transport configurations. Oneconfiguration is the backpack configuration wherein straps are attachedto at least one frame of the chair. In such a configuration, the usercarries the chair like a backpack with shoulder straps attached to theframe. In another configuration, the chair has wheels attached to atleast one frame. In such a roller bag configuration, the user can pullthe chair in its transport configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the chair in itsuse configuration.

FIG. 2 depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in itsbackpack transport configuration.

FIG. 3 depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in its rollerbag transport configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicants' invention will now be described withreference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will beidentified by identical numbers throughout all figures.

As will be discussed, the two-frame collapsible chair has twoconfigurations: a first closed position for transport, and a second openposition for sitting. FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of oneembodiment of the chair in its use configuration. The device is atwo-frame collapsible chair comprised of an inner frame 101 that ishingably joined to an outer frame 102 by means of a bolt, rivet or shearpin 110 that allows rotation about a plane. As used herein, “two-frame”refers to a chair which comprises only two frames. This is contrasted tothree-frame chairs known in the art. As discussed herein, a two-framestructure offers many benefits over a three-frame structure includingcost of manufacture, weight, and portability.

The frames 101, 102 are made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or other rigidmaterials. In one embodiment, one or both frames 101,102 are padded(120) which provide additional comfort to the user when used in itsbackpack transport configuration. The frames 101, 102 can have virtuallyany cross-sectional geometry including but not limited to square,rectangular, and circular cross-sections. The inner frame 101 isnarrower and shorter than the outer frame 102. In a preferredembodiment, the inner frame 101 has a length of about 80% to about 95%of the outer frame 102. In a more preferred embodiment, the inner frame101 has a length of about 92% of the outer frame 102. It should be notedthat in a preferred embodiment the frames 101,102 when in the closedposition are separated by minimal distance. In many embodiments, thisdistance or “tolerance” is on the order of several millimeters. Thus,when in the closed position, the two frames are separated by a veryshort distance and fine tolerance. This line tolerance adds structuralsupport and durability to the chair. However, the tolerance is designedso that the functionality of the chair is not impaired. It should benoted that in some embodiments, the tolerance between the closed frames101,102 is increased to make room for devices such as an over-centerlocking device 103 which will be discussed below.

Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, each frame 101,102 is a singlepiece. As used herein a “single piece” includes pieces which have beenmade as a single piece, i.e. cast as one piece, as well as individualpieces which have been welded or chemically or mechanically secured.Because each frame 101,102 is a single piece, the stability of the chairin both its use and transport configuration is increased.

In one embodiment the outer frame 102, a connected frame, serves as thefront base of the chair, as opposed to open legs. Such an embodimenthelps secure the chair in its use configuration. A chair with individuallegs tends to sink into the ground, destabilizing the chair. The instantinvention offers a connected frame whereby the front base comprises alength of structure as opposed to individual legs. The same is true forthe back base. Again, such a configuration prevents the chair fromsinking into the ground because the weight of the chair is distributedacross the length of the back base and the front base. For thesereasons, in a preferred embodiment the frame's horizontal members andthe vertical members align such that neither sticks out beyond theboundaries of the frames 101,102. This prevents a portion of the frame,for example, a vertical member, from jetting out and acting as anindividual leg. It should be noted that while an embodiment comprising aconnected frame whereby the frame does not comprise legs, the instantinvention is not so limited. In other embodiments, it is preferable thatthe bottom of each of the frames 101,102 comprise individual legs ratherthan the connected length of structure as depicted. Furthermore, in someembodiments it is desirable to have one frame comprise legs at thebottom while the other frame comprises a connected length of structure.

When collapsed in the first closed position for transporting, the innerframe 101 and the outer frame 102 are substantially in the same plane.This is beneficial for many reasons. First, because the two frames arein the same plane they take up less space on the retailer's shelves asthey are more compact. Likewise, when shipping they take up less spacein a shipping truck, for example. These factors decrease manufacturingcosts and allow for the production of a less expensive chair. Second,the two frames 101, 102 when in the transport configuration are morestable than prior art chairs wherein the frames were not in the sameplane. Because the frame of the transport configuration is more stable,the chances of it collapsing into the use configuration are considerablyreduced. Further, because the frames 101,102 are more compact, thisincreases the space available for other items stored in the chair, forexample, in the storage panel 112.

The frames 101,102, as depicted, are connected by a pivot 110. In oneembodiment, the pivot 110 employs a spacer and/or bushings to allow forease of movement. The pivot 110 can include any hinging material knownin the art including a pin. In the depicted embodiment, the frames101,102 when rotated to the open position are secured in the openposition by an over-center locking device 103. In one embodiment, theover-center locking device 103 is a metal hinge which is coupled to bothframes 101,102. The locking device 103 can serve a plurality ofpurposes. First, the locking device 103 locks the frames in place sothat the frames cannot collapse when in the use position withoutadjusting the locking device 103. Second, the locking device 103 definesthe maximum distance the frames 101,102 can be separated. This keeps thechair in the desired position. Additionally, in some embodiments thisalleviates pressure on the flexible seat member 105, ensuring it is notstretched beyond its breaking point.

The flexible seat member 105 is made of canvas or other similar materialand is attached to the outer frame 102 and the inner frame 101 usingscrews, rivets, sewing, or other similar methods known in the art. Whenin the open and locked position, flexible seat member 105 is stretchedtight forming an upward facing seat panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the chair further comprises a flexiblebackrest 106. It should be noted that some embodiments, for example, insome embodiments of the roller bag configuration, the chair does notemploy a backrest 106. The flexible backrest 106 has a back side and afront side which will touch the user's back when in the second sittingposition.

The flexible backrest 106, typically made with similar material as theseat member 105, is attached to the top of the outer frame 102 usingscrews, rivets, sewing, etc., and is affixed in such a way that itsflexibility acts as a hinge, allowing it to pivot back. In a preferredembodiment the flexible backrest 106 material covers the top of theouter frame 102 so that when a user sits in the chair the user does notsit directly on the outer frame 102. Such an embodiment allows forincreased comfort. For example, if the outer frame 102 is metallic, thenthe frame can become undesirably hot during the heat and undesirablecold during the winter, decreasing the overall comfort of the chair.Additionally, in one embodiment the backrest (106) comprises cushions(119) which offer additional support and comfort in both the sittingconfiguration as well as the transport configuration.

When opened and in use the back side of the backrest 106 can be used todisplay logos for the invention itself or other advertisements such asteam logos or corporate promotions. In one embodiment, the angle ofbackrest 106 is secured and adjusted using front support straps 104which are affixed to the inner frame 101 using screws, rivets, or thelike. The front support straps 104 are also attached to the backrest 106by screws, rivets, sewing, etc. In one embodiment, the front supportstraps 104 are attached to the front of the inner frame 101 as opposedto the side as depicted in FIG. 1. Such an embodiment allows for easiercollapsing of the chair as the strap 104 and its securing means do notinterfere with the collapsing as they are not located in between the twoframes 101, 102.

The backrest 106 has stiffeners 116 made of plastic, steel, aluminum, orother rigid materials, that are sewn in or otherwise secured to provideadditional Support to the user's back. In one embodiment, when in thesecond open position, the bottom of each stiffener 116 rests on the topof outer frame 102 and such interface forms a fulcrum to further providerigidity to the users back. It should be noted, however, that thestiffeners 116 are not separately attached to either frame. Thus, whilethe stiffeners 116 offer additional back support, they are not attachedto the frame 102. Instead, they are attached and secured to the backrest106, which as described above, is hingably attached to the outer frame102. In one embodiment the stiffeners 116 are surrounded by the fabricof the backrest 106 so that the stiffeners 116 are not visible to theuser. Again, because the stiffeners 116 are not themselves attached tothe outer frame 102, they are not considered an additional frame.Instead, the stiffeners 116 simply offer additional support to thebackrest 106.

In a preferred embodiment, the chair further comprises optional armrests 107. The arm rests 107 are made from a variety of materialsincluding plastic, wood, metal, etc. Additionally, the arm rests 107 maycomprise padding or other features such as cup holders. The arm rests107 can be secured in many ways. In one embodiment the stiffeners havepivot rods 109 attached and which protrude from the backrest 106. Thearmrests 107 are hingably attached to pivot rods 109. The armrests 107are supported in the down position by a cam and pin arrangement,adjustable straps attached to the backrest 106, or other means. Inanother embodiment the arm rests are secured at one end to the backrest106 and are supported at the other end of the arm rest 107 by adjustablestraps also attached to the backrest 106. Those skilled in the art willappreciate other ways of securing arm rests which are within the scopeof this invention.

In one embodiment, when the flexible backrest 106 is in the up positionit is held in such position by a back support strap or straps (121) thatare attached to the back of the top portion of the outer frame 102. Theback support straps (121) are also connected to the back lower portionof the flexible backrest 106 by means of a buckle (122), snap or hookand loop material. Said back support straps (121) prevent the flexiblebackrest 106 from folding over when the seat is not occupied. This is animprovement over prior art chairs wherein the backrest fell whenever theoccupant stood. As can be appreciated, when attending a soccer game, forexample, the occupant may stand and sit several times in a game.Constantly having to lift up the backrest can become very frustrating.Thus, in one embodiment the backrest 106 is supported in the front andback by straps which prevent the backrest 106 from tipping forward orbackward.

The instant invention provides for several embodiments of the transportconfiguration. For example, in one embodiment the transportconfiguration comprises a backpack whereas another comprises a rollingbag.

To close the chair and prepare it for transport the armrests 107 arefolded up into the same plane as flexible backrest 106. The strapsholding flexible backrest 106 in the upright position are released,allowing it to fold down flat against flexible seat member 105. Theover-center locking devices 103 are released and inner frame 101 rotatesuntil it is in substantially the same plane as outer frame 102. Theflexible seat member 105 automatically folds and hangs below the frames101,102 and the flexible backrest 106 then hinges over and hangs infront of the folded frames 101,102.

In the backpack transport configuration, to transport the user canemploy the use of shoulder straps 111 which are preferably adjustable inlength by adjusters 115. A user can then carry the chair like a typicalbackpack wherein the load is supported by shoulder straps. The shoulderstraps 11 may be attached to either frame, but in a preferredembodiment, the shoulder straps are attached to the upper center ofouter frame 102 by screws or rivets and the lower outer portion of outerframe 102 by screws or rivets. In this carrying position the flexiblebackrest 106 forms a pad to cushion the user's back from the forcesimposed by the weight of the chair. Thus, while carrying, the back sideof the backrest 106 is positioned against the carrier's back. Asdiscussed previously, in one embodiment the backrest 106 is cushionedwhich provides extra comfort to the user. The shoulder straps 111 upperattachment locations maintain a force upon the frame which prevents thechair from folding open while being carried by said straps 111. This isanother improvement over prior art chairs. Because the straps 111 areattached to the outer frame 102, and because the inner frame 101 pivotsoutward in the same direction where the carrier is located, the carrierof the pack is in the way and the chair is prohibited from opening.Further, even if the pack is not carried by the shoulder straps 111 butinstead by a carrying handle 114 secured to the outer frame 102(depicted in FIG. 2), the chair is prohibited from opening because thebackrest 106 prohibits the inner frame 101 from pivoting open.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the backside of the storage panel 112 isvisible. Because the outer frame 102 is at an angle, the storage panel112 is also at an angle. When in the unfolded position the storage panel112, as depicted, is located beneath the flexible backrest 106 and it iseasily accessed by users sitting the seat. The location places theweight of the storage panel and its contents inside the envelope formedby the seat frames 101, 102 which prevents the chair from falling overwhen in the open position. Despite the angle of incline, the goodslocated in the panel 112 are secure. A better description of the storagepanel 112 can be found by referring to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in itsbackpack transport configuration. As can be seen, in the folded positionthe chair can also be carried or hung for storage using the carryinghandle 114. FIG. 2 also illustrates the storage panel 112. In oneembodiment, the chair comprises at least one storage panel 112 attachedto at least one of the frames 101,102. The storage panel 112 depicted isattached to the back of outer frame 102, but as described below thelocation and number of the storage panels 112 can vary. In theembodiment depicted, the storage panel 112 employs two pockets 113.Other embodiments may employ pockets 113 of varying sizes, shapes, andnumber. For example, the pockets 113 can be insulated pockets for hot orcold food/drinks or comprise a bladder with an optional drinking tubefor carrying drinking liquids. Open areas of the storage panel 112 canbe used to display logos for the invention itself or otheradvertisements such as team logos or corporate promotions. In otherembodiments the storage panel 112 comprises a traditional backpack whichmay have additional pockets. Thus, the backpack may contain one or morelarge volume compartments internally and one or more external pockets.Finally, the storage panel 112 may comprise a briefcase, laptop carrier,or a panel comprising assorted pockets. Those skilled in the art willappreciate other storing means which are within the scope of the instantinvention.

Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 depicts a back view of one embodiment ofthe chair in its roller bag transport configuration. A roller bagconfiguration is ideal for the traveling business person but is suitablefor any person who finds it necessary to carry items and occasionallysit. For example, a business person often must carry a laptop, abriefcase, and the required flight documents. Because the airport isoften busy, many times there is not an open seat available.Consequently, the business person is forced to stand and hold all of hisor her belongings. However, the roller bag offers storage which canstore the briefcase, laptop, and flight documentation. Further, becausethe roller bag is also a chair, the user can also sit in the chair.Finally, in one embodiment the roller bag is sized to be carried ontothe airplane.

The chair in its roller bag transport configuration works the same asthe chair described above herein. However, rather than being carried asa backpack, the chair is designed to be pulled as a roller bag.Accordingly, at least one of the frames 101,102 further comprises wheels118. The wheels 118 can be made of virtually any material, including butnot limit to plastic, wood, and metal. In a preferred embodiment, thewheels 118 are sized and placed in such a fashion so as to not interferewith the chair in its use configuration. Thus, when in a chairconfiguration, the wheels 118 do not touch the ground. Those skilled inthe art can easily determine ideal placement of the wheels 118. Forexample, in one embodiment the wheels 118 are placed so that the lowerportion of the wheel 118 is above the lowest portion of the outer frame102. In such an embodiment, the wheels 118 are not engaged unless theroller bag is tilted at a specified angle.

The chair in its roller bag configuration also comprises a pullinghandle 116. Such a handle 116 allows the user to more easily roll thebag. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 116 is extendable to a heightthat a user can easily grab the handle and walk comfortably. Theextendable handle 116, when not in use is pushed back into the storagepanel 112 for storage. In a preferred embodiment, the pulling handle 116is secured between the storage panel 112 and said frames 101,102. Thestorage panel 112 depicted is attached to the outer frame 102 and doesnot interfere with the opening and closing of the chair. The storagepanel 112 can comprise the same embodiments as discussed above includingpockets, backpack, briefcase, or laptop carrier.

In the depicted embodiment, a second storage panel 117 is located on theinner frame 101 below the pivot 110. Because the bottom of the innerframe 101 pivots upward (when viewed in FIG. 3), such a location willnot hinder the operation of the chair. Similar variations of the storagepanel 112, including pockets and backpacks may similarly be employed.Thus, a user of the depicted chair can store a laptop in the firststorage panel 112 and a briefcase in the second storage panel 117.Referring back to FIG. 1, it can be appreciated that if such asecond-lower storage panel 117 were employed, it would be located at thebottom of inner frame 101 and would, like the first storage panel 112,have an angle of inclination. In some embodiments it may be desirable toonly have one storage panel and in other embodiments it may be desirableto have two. The second storage panel 117, while only depicted in theroller bag configuration, can also be used in the backpackconfiguration.

While not depicted, it should be noted that some embodiments the chaircan be operated as a roller bag and a backpack. For example, in oneembodiment the chair in the roller bag configuration comprises shoulderstraps (111). In such an embodiment, a user can utilize the chair'swheels and roll the chair in the roller bag configuration. However, uponencountering rough terrain, the user can employ the chair's shoulderstraps (111) and carry the chair in its backpack configuration.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A two-frame collapsible chair comprising: an inner frame and an outerframe, said frames hingably joined for rotating between a first closedposition for transporting and a second open position for sitting; aflexible seat member connected to both of said frames; a flexiblebackrest comprising a front side and a back side, said flexible backrestbeing hingably connected to said outer frame, said flexible backrestfurther comprising a front support strap coupled to said inner frame; atleast one storage panel attached to one of said frames; wherein saidinner and outer frames are in the same plane when in the first positionfor transport; and wherein said outer frame is longer and wider thansaid inner frame.
 2. The collapsible chair of claim 1 wherein saidbackrest further comprises a back support strap.
 3. The collapsiblechair of claim 1 wherein said backrest further comprises stiffeners. 4.The collapsible chair of claim 1 wherein at least one of said at leastone storage panel is attached to said outer frame.
 5. The collapsiblechair of claim 1 wherein at least one of said storage panel is attachedto said inner frame.
 6. The collapsible chair of claim 1 furthercomprising: a first storage panel attached to said outer frame; a secondstorage panel attached to said inner frame; wherein said second storagepanel is located below said first storage panel.
 7. The collapsiblechair of claim 1 wherein said at least one storage panel comprises astorage means selected from the group consisting of: backpack,briefcase, laptop carrier, and a panel comprising assorted pockets. 8.The collapsible chair of claim 1 further comprising an arm restconnected to said backrest.
 9. The collapsible chair of claim 8 whereinsaid arm rest is attached to a pivot rod which is attached to andprotrudes from the backrest.
 10. The collapsible chair of claim 1further comprising shoulder straps attached to one of said frames,whereby when in said first position for transporting a user can use saidcollapsible chair as a backpack.
 11. The collapsible chair of claim 10wherein when a user uses said backpack, the user's back will be againstthe back side of the backrest.
 12. The collapsible chair of claim 10wherein said shoulder straps are attached to said outer frame.
 13. Thecollapsible chair of claim 10 wherein said backrest is cushioned. 14.The collapsible chair of claim 10 wherein said outer frame comprisespadding.
 15. The collapsible chair of claim 10 further comprising acarrying handle secured to said outer frame.
 16. The collapsible chairof claim 1 further comprising: wheels located on at least one of saidframes; and a pulling handle secured to said chair; whereby when in saidfirst position for transporting a user can use the collapsible chair asa roller bag.
 17. The collapsible chair of claim 16 wherein said wheelsare attached to said outer frame.
 18. The collapsible chair of claim 16wherein said pulling handle is extendable.
 19. The collapsible chair ofclaim 16 wherein said pulling handle is secured between said at leastone storage panel and said frames.
 20. The collapsible chair of claim 16further comprising shoulder straps attached to one of said frames.